Commercial Landscaping with Shrubs

There are numerous types of landscaping shrubs. They can range in size from the smaller forms on up to the larger tree-like varieties. There are evergreen shrubs, which retain their color and leaves year round, and there are deciduous shrubs, which eventually lose their foliage in the fall. Read more to learn about landscaping shrubs and their uses.

Choosing Shrubs for the Landscape

Shrubs have many uses within the landscape such as foundation plantings, privacy hedges, and specimen plants. They can be used as backdrops, to define garden beds, and to simply add seasonal interest. Foliage differs from plant to plant, so look for foliage colors that will create a pleasing visual effect and subtle contrast to the other plants within the landscape. Fall foliage colors can range from silver, gold, and varieties of red, purple, and dark green.

The best time to plant landscaping shrubs is in the fall or early spring, if necessary. This gives roots plenty of time to become established within the landscape, upping their chances of survival.

Before placing any shrub in the landscape, you should first consider the overall height and width of the shrub once it reaches maturity. There should be adequate space available for the shrub to grow. For instance, if a shrub is being used as a foundation planting, ensure that its mature growth will not block windows or obstruct walkways.

It is very important that landscaping shrubs complement their surroundings. Therefore, it is a good idea to research native shrubs as well as landscaping shrubs in order to become familiar with their growing conditions, especially in your given area.

Common Commercial Landscape Shrubs

Azaleas/Rhododendrons –  Azaleas and rhododendrons come in a multitude of colors and their striking blooms are a welcome sight in spring. While they typically have a short-lived blooming cycle, many evergreen varieties will provide year-round interest. These shrubs are good choices for foundation plantings, borders, shade and specimen plants.

Forsythia Shrubs – The yellow, spring flowers of the forsythia provide much needed color after the dull, darkness of winter. Other than its obvious aesthetic purpose, this easy-care shrub makes a great choice for screening and can even soften corners around the landscape.

Hydrangea Shrubs – Hydrangeas are also quite popular in landscaping. There are various forms available (pink, blue, and white), and their clustered, summer-flowering blooms are spectacular.

Juniper Shrubs – Another good evergreen shrub is juniper, with the low-growing variety most commonly used within landscapes. These shrubs are well suited for filling in empty spaces between other, larger shrubs and trees.

Holly Shrubs – There are many types of holly for the landscape. English holly, which is most common, is an evergreen shrub popular for its spiny-edged leaves and clusters of red berries, especially during winter. While this shrub can definitely stand on its own, it is commonly used in the landscape as a screening hedge or foundation planting.

Some landscaping shrubs are used strictly for their pleasant aromas. These can include Lilac, witch hazel and roses.

There are other ways to use shrubs in the landscape. Nearly any shrub can be successfully grown in containers; which make excellent accent pieces to frame entryways or walkways. They make excellent focal points and are ideal for screening, even blocking views of parking lots. Whether you are considering using them for outlining boundaries, privacy and screening, foundation planting, or simply for specimen plants, you should always plan ahead in order to find the right commercial landscaping shrub for you and your landscape.

Please feel free to speak with us and we can help design and plan the care of all your Shrub's needs. It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of commercial landscaping in between, we can help.  To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net